I definitely agree that Chinese students are not like American or perhaps any other students from the West. I was a highschool teacher in Brooklyn before I came here in China last year. At first, I was really nervous because I had no idea at all what to expect from my classes here. Since it's my first time to handle and ESL class, I was just clueless. The good thing, though, was that staff from the Birmy head office were generous enough to give me some sort of orientation before I held my first class. They gave me pieces of advice on what I should and shouldn't do in class. But of course, not any amount of preparation would take away my fear because it was my first time to face a bunch of kids who have limited knowledge of the language I speak!
I must admit that my first day at work wasn't good. I didn't prepare enough, I guess, but at least, that first meeting made me realize what I needed to do. As they say, the rest is history!
If this is your first time to teach English in a non-English speaking country, you've got to be ready to be challenged. Chinese learners could be hard to communicate with and teach, but they're definitely fun to teach! Make sure you come to your classes prepared all the time!